All School Archives

February 16, 2026

From Gavin Thorson ’22

As I look forward to my graduation this May from Montana State University, reflecting on how I’ve grown as an academic and as a human during my time in Bozeman, I have often thought about the version of myself that was in a similar position four years ago, in the waning months of my senior year at Mounds Park Academy. This review of the last four years of my life dredged up some of my fondest memories of that spring of 2022, and perhaps my happiest memories are of playing trumpet in the band.

The band program at MPA is special, and not least because of how it began. In 1983, music educator Sarah Kumagai was looking for a change. She had bounced between schools for years, and in those days when men dominated education, opportunities for serious advancement were nonexistent. A friend steered her in the direction of MPA: “a new, progressive school.” At her meeting with Bob and Sandy Kreischer, Kumagai proposed a band program which stipulated that each band student receive individual lessons. Only through one-on-one lessons would students ever receive the care and attention necessary to improve their musical skills. Other programs often grouped students together, which was detrimental in Kumagai’s view.

The Kreischers were ready and willing to take on a young woman as their band director, and regarding her proposal about lessons, they replied: “Great — do it!”

So began Kumagai’s 18-year tenure at MPA, which saw the school’s enrollment blossom and its music program similarly thrive. Students received individual lessons, and the volume of students eventually required the employment of an additional staff member for the band program. Eventually, Kumagai was working with the drama department on producing Broadway musicals, which provided challenging scores for Kumagai’s students who played in the pit band. MPA grew bigger and bigger and sent its many graduates off into the world with pleasant memories of making music with friends. “Thank you,” is what they say to Kumagai when they see her now. She says to them, “Thank you for playing with me.” Read More

An Update From Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22

February 13, 2026

Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22 is a senior at Wellesley College and is majoring in international relations and economics while competing on the college’s volleyball team.

She has embraced the challenge of collegiate athletics, earning all-region and All-American honors. She credits her athletic experience at MPA with helping prepare her to compete at the next level.

MPA also laid the foundation for success in Wellesley’s rigorous academic environment. Most importantly, she says, the school taught her how to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers.

She is now planning her path to graduate school, applying to law schools, and considering a year of beach volleyball. She looks forward to what comes next.

A Message From Lizzy Ehren ’14 On Why She Joined The Alumni Board

February 13, 2026

Moving away from Minnesota, I miss a lot—everything from the cross-country ski trails to Caribou Coffee mochas. Yet, one of the largest drawbacks of leaving your home state is losing touch with the communities and places that shaped you. The moment that I entered MPA as an 11-year-old, the change was palpable.

For the first time, I felt fully noticed and embraced by all my teachers. My peers were kinder and more curious. I was encouraged and, subsequently, motivated to join in.

My years at Mounds Park Academy not only prepared me thoroughly for my undergraduate degree, but my time there taught me skills that I still use every day working in higher education: strategic question asking, precise writing, creativity, and more.

Despite the tremendous impact MPA had on my life, I did not feel connected to the school for many years. While living in Ohio, I knew only one other MPA alumnus in the area, and my visits home to Minnesota were always busy, shuffling from family events to meet-ups with friends. I did not have time to visit MPA’s campus anymore. I started working in alumni relations in 2023, and in this position, I managed a few alumni volunteer boards at Ohio State. I saw firsthand how excited everyone was to connect with fellow alumni, how they received updates on initiatives at the school, and how they could give back in small ways.

Seeing these groups inspired me to reconnect and to join the Alumni Association Board. This board has been a perfect way to learn more about MPA’s future plans and to assist where we can as alumni. While this board is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants a flexible position to give back to the school, I particularly encourage those who are not in the Twin Cities to consider joining.

There will be an application later this year, but if you have any questions or want to learn more about the Alumni Association Board, don’t hesitate to reach out to Angie Gerstner at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Lizzy Ehren ’14

Alumni Association Board Member

Welcome, Dr. Julie Winn, Lower School Assistant Director

February 13, 2026

We are delighted to share that Dr. Julie Winn will join Mounds Park Academy as our Lower School assistant director beginning February 17. Dr. Winn comes to MPA from Minnehaha Academy and brings more than 25 years of experience as both an elementary educator and school leader.

Lower School director James Ewer shared, “Julie was the clear choice. The committee held the highest level of confidence in her, and she consistently rose to the top across every part of the process.” He continued, “She brings real energy, a natural connection to our mission, and a sharp vision for how she will contribute right away. She leads with character, reflects with intention, and does not shy away from challenging the status quo in service of kids and community.”

Over the course of her career, Dr. Winn has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, literacy consultant, curriculum director, and, most recently, director of teaching and learning at Minnehaha Academy. She has worked in public, charter, and independent school settings, leading curricular and program innovation, instructional coaching, and faculty development across PreK-12 environments. She is also the co-founder of RefineEDU, a consultancy consortium that specializes in faculty development, leadership development, and curricular and instructional design for private and independent schools. Read More

Lower School Division News February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

This Black History Month, our team has been grounding ourselves in a set of speeches that do not just inspire. They instruct. From Sojourner Truth’s refusal to be erased, to Frederick Douglass’s demand that a nation tell the truth about itself, to Thurgood Marshall’s reminder that rights only matter when they are enforced, the message stays consistent. Integrity without action is not enough.

We listened to Malcolm X and heard strategy and accountability. We listened to Shirley Chisholm and heard what it sounds like to lead without asking permission. We listened to Angela Davis and heard how quickly systems can criminalize voice, and why we must defend dignity with clarity. We listened to James Baldwin and heard that denial is not neutral—it shapes outcomes. We listened to Nina Simone and heard a charge that still applies to every adult in a school building: reflect the times, tell the truth, and do not hide when it gets uncomfortable. We listened to Michelle Obama and heard discipline, not softness. Keep your character, keep your standards, and do not let someone else’s behavior set the temperature for the room. We listened to Jesse Jackson and heard coalition as a real practice, not a slogan. Read More

Middle School Division News February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha

Greetings from the Middle School! As we move through February, we find ourselves holding both gratitude and anticipation. A couple of weeks ago, following a weekend marked by turmoil and loss, we gathered for an impromptu Middle School Meeting. We came together as a community to support one another and to acknowledge that these are challenging times. While the weight of current events is felt differently by each middle schooler—depending on what they are experiencing, hearing, where they live, and how their families are personally connected—we wanted every student to know they are not carrying that weight alone.

I shared that our students know how to do hard things. That, at MPA, they know how to dream big and do right. And that, especially when times are challenging, and folks are more vulnerable, they must live our values; in particular, mutual respect and meaningful service. Our students and our families have stepped up with donations of food and clothing—Mr. Peterson’s advisory clothing drive literally filled his SUV full of clothes to donate!

We talked in that meeting about how to create space and have grace with each other. We offered students rooms and spaces where they could talk and ask questions about what is going on, and also spaces where they could just be, where they could sit and color, listen to music, or read a book. We wanted to recognize that, when folks are stressed or vulnerable, they don’t always say or do what they mean, and that we need to allow grace and meet each other with empathy and curiosity. And our students have done a wonderful job finding these spaces and seeking out help, when needed, for themselves or their friends. Read More

Upper School Division News February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Thinking back to 1995, my first year as an educator, I had a colleague who referred to February as “the longest short month of the year.” At the time, I didn’t really know what he meant as I made my way through the winter months wide-eyed and with great naivety. Now in my 30th year of teaching and working in schools, I fully understand what they meant. While the calendar tells us we are close to spring, the reality for many of us is that winter has dragged on as we continue to manage the shorter days, cold weather, and fewer natural breaks in our routine. All of this can make February feel very heavy. At the same time, the expectations set by teachers continue as students’ focus, motivation, and energy may be running low.

February is also the time when teenagers typically experience increased stress and emotional fatigue. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that teenagers consistently report that schoolwork is one of the greatest sources of stress and that during February, there is little opportunity to pause or reset. The APA and the National Institute of Mental Health explain that reduced daylight and prolonged winter conditions can affect mood, energy levels, sleep, and concentration. This is sometimes referred to as the “winter blues,” and in some cases, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The winter months are often identified as the most challenging months, and this, coupled with teenagers balancing academic demands, social pressures, and developmental changes, creates an “interesting” confluence of life events. Read More

Parents Association News And Events February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

Join us for the third annual Parents Association Trivia Night on Friday, February 27, from 6-8 PM in the Family Commons! In a time when community and connection matter more than ever, this evening is the opportunity to come together, get to know fellow parents, and have some fun along the way.

Hosted by the Parents Association, the night will feature dinner and socializing, with a friendly competition for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night champion. Regardless of your trivia knowledge, we hope to see you for this night of connection and competition. Click here to register!

Upper School Quarterly Coffee | Wednesday, February 25 from 8-9 AM, Porter Conference Room
Please join Mark Segal and Upper School parents at the upcoming Upper School Parents Association Quarterly Coffee. This meeting will have an open forum format where parents will be able to ask questions and strengthen relationships with other Upper School parents as we enter the spring season. A calendar of Upper School-centric spring events will also be shared. We look forward to you joining us at this wonderful community event. Read More

MPA Students Win 28 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

February 6, 2026

The Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce that MPA student artists won 28 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards this year!

Congratulations to the artists for their achievements, and good luck to the Gold Key winners whose work will go on to compete at the national level.

Gold Key Award Recipients

Ansel Streier ’26, Ceramics, “Green Jar”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”
Elizabeth Jacobson Faye ’27, Ceramics, “Growth Through Unity”
Hazel Pelszynski ’28, Ceramics, “Ceramic Tiles”
Jenny Liao ’28, Drawing, “Crimson Rest”

Silver Key Award Recipients

Camille Hirsch ’26, Ceramics, “Chimera Fwan (Fawn + Swan)”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “From Sunrise to Sunset”
Nicole Kim ’27, Fashion, “Safety Is a Luxury”
Jenny Liao ’28, Illustration, “Busy Stroll”
Jenny Liao ’28, Painting, “Archangel Saint Michael”

Honorable Mention Recipients

Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “An Extinction”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Drawing, “Moroccan Horse and Wrangler”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Moroccan Horse and Handler”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Drawn”
Camille Hirsch ’26, Mixed Media, “A Bug’s Eye View”
Amy Xiang ’26, Painting, “The Art of Raw”
Amy Xiang ’26, Mixed Media, “Broken Space”
Yujin Byambatsogt ’26, Drawing, “Feeling Blue!”
Yugin Byambatsogt ’26, Painting, “Across Borders”
Thomas Dickson ’26, Painting, “The Heron’s Landing”
Ash Klann ’26, Painting, “Bleeding Hearts”
Alona Vietrova ’26, Painting, “MPLS”
Olivia Collister ’27, Ceramics, “Melting Memories”
Evie Minear ’27, Drawing, “Architectural Study in Ink”
Hazel Pelszynski ’28, Ceramics, “Historical Coil Pot”
Leo Stout ’28, Painting, “5-String Bass”
Sofia K. ’30, Drawing, “Bubbles”
Rosalie M. F. ’30, Printmaking, Flower Mandala

See an album of their award-winning work here!

State Of The School Report

February 5, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

As I reflect on the first half of the 2025-26 school year and look ahead to what remains, I am filled with pride and gratitude to be part of the Mounds Park Academy community. In recent Panther Posts, our division directors have shared thoughtful reflections on the current strengths and future priorities of the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Today, I invite you to step back with me and consider the broader picture—how these division-level experiences come together to shape a cohesive, meaningful PreK-12 journey for our students, families, faculty, and staff.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for believing in the educational growth and experience MPA works hard to deliver each and every day. Working in a PreK-12 school is a rare and special experience. Our shared campus creates natural moments of connection—from simple waves of hello and high-fives to impromptu conversations in hallways between students of all ages and adults. There is a shared ownership, appreciation, and respect for the space we all inhabit together throughout the day.

A Community Rooted in Belonging
For many, MPA is a second home—one where students and adults spend more waking hours learning, studying, volunteering, and growing together than they do in their own homes. Community is built everywhere and often. Lower School CHAMP assemblies, along with Middle and Upper School gatherings, provide consistent opportunities to celebrate shared values and reinforce what it means to be part of this community. Read More